Membership of SSC is conferred by becoming a member of one of the Commission’s sub-groups (e.g. Steering Committee, Sub-Committees, Specialist Groups, Red List Authorities, Task Forces, Working Groups). Membership of these groupings is voluntary and by invitation. SSC seeks to engage cutting-edge experts in all disciplines relevant to the conservation and management of biodiversity. It engages such people with due regard for diversity, be it in terms of gender, age, culture, language, nationality and expertise. By design, SSC members do not hold a common view on most conservation-related issues. Rather, SSC cherishes its diversity and fosters open, respectful, rigorous and evidence-based debate among its members”. - IUCN SSC 2017-2020 Mandate.

All of the following are required for membership within the SGA:

• 10 Years demonstrated work and/or educational experience involving great ape and related conservation projects in Africa and/or Asia, preferably at a senior level.  Academic credentials will also be taken into consideration but a PhD is not required.

• Two SGA members support the nominee’s candidacy

• Approval  by Vice-Chairs in consultation with PSG Chair.

Criteria for Renewing SGA Membership: the person should have done at least one of the three following activities, and preferably more, in the previous cycle:

• Participation in an SGA working group or task force.

• Involvement in an SGA activity, publication, or position statement.

• Engagement with the Executive Committee, Vice-Chairs, PSG Chair.

Renewal of membership will require a short statement by the member of how he or she has contributed to the work of the SGA over the previous term.  Final approval of renewed membership will be made by the Vice-Chairs in consultation with the PSG Chair.